Darley Dale Heath, Cape Heath, Molten Silver Heath, Heather
Erica x darleyensis

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late winter. Form: Rounded.

Erica x darleyensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from November to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Not known in the wild.

A hybrid of garden origin, E. herbacea x E, erigena.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

An admirable dense ground cover plant, though it might need weeding for the first year. It can be clipped in spring to give denser growth. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way. Plants can be grown as a low hedge, the cultivar 'Furzey' is often used.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Requires a light loam. This species tolerates lime in the soil so long as there is plenty of humus. Grows best in a poor soil. Resents dry soils. Prefers an open situation. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Plants are quite fast growing. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out .

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a sandy compost in a cold frame in spring. Keep moist. Prick out the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them in their permanent positions when they are 5 - 8cm tall. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, July/August in a frame. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the stem without causing any damage to the bark. The cuttings root in a few weeks if they are given some bottom heat. Plant out in spring. Layering in spring or autumn. Plants can be 'dropped' and then dug up and divided about 6 - 12 months later. Dropping involves digging up the plant and then replanting it about 15 - 20cm deeper in the soil to encourage roots to form along the stems.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. mediterranea hybrida.